Unitech MS146

Description

The MS146 barcode card reader is designed for time and attendance, security, and access control applications that use badges, cards, or forms.

Target Markets / Applications
The MS146 reader is versatile enough to fit applications across the board. It can read ID cards for check-in, check-out, and access control. The infrared MS146 reads barcodes that have been secured by black panels to prevent photocopying.

Maximum Versatility
The MS146 barcode card reader is easy to integrate into your business. With a large reading slot, the MS146 is a suitable solution for cards of many different sizes and widths.

Multiple interface options and an infrared model ensures that there’s an MS146 perfectly suited for your business. Mount the MS146 to a wall or desktop for easy access. The reader is multidirectional, making installation that much easier.

Durable
With the MS146 you can rest assured knowing you’ve made a lasting investment. The high-quality sealing on the optical system protects the device from dust, dirt, and even water spills.

The MS146 is at home in industrial settings, enduring repeated use and exposure to hazards without wearing out or degrading in any way.

Powerful Performance
The MS146 reads 2-27 inches per second at a high resolution and with a flexible reading angle. Advanced data editing is available on this device, enabling you to tailor your solution to your exact needs.

About the Manufacturer: Unitech was founded in 1979 in Taiwan. As a global provider of AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) technologies with over 30 years experience, Unitech manufactures a wide range of Enterprise Mobile computers, Rugged handheld PDAs, Industrial Tablets, RFID Readers, Barcode Scanners, integrated T&A and Smart Living devices. Unitech products bring value to customers throughout the world in various industries, such as logistics, healthcare, retails, warehousing, manufacturing, transportation, and field service

Videos

Visible light: 660nm LED
To read a barcode symbol, it is illuminated by a scanner. Light is reflected back in varying amounts, depending on the bars and spaces. These differences are translated into signals by a light detector inside the scanner. The signals are converted into various combinations to stand for specific characters.
Infrared: 930nm LED
In the case of infrared barcodes, a layer of security is added to an otherwise low-security technology. Special black obscuration panels cover the barcode label to prevent photocopying, making it readable only by an infrared barcode reader.

FAQ

Can I scan a barcode off a phone/tablet/computer screen?

Yes, but we suggest a scanner with a linear imager or 2D area imager scan engine because it can read barcodes easier & faster than a laser barcode scanner. A laser barcode scanner has to fight with the screen's reflection to read the barcodes while an imager takes a picture to decode the information.

Do I need software to run a barcode scanner?

No, barcode scanners do not require software to work. Barcode scanners mimic the actions of a keyboard and will be recognized by your computer as if you typed on a keyboard.

How do I scan 2D barcodes?

You need a barcode scanner with a 2d area imager scan engine. Laser or linear imager barcode scanners will not work.

What do I need to consider when buying barcode scanners?

Most barcode scanners work as soon as you plug it in but its the extra features you need to be aware of when deciding on a barcode scanner.

If your scanner will be used in an industrial environment then you need a scanner that will be ruggedized to withstand damage from being dropped, resist moisture, and resist dust.

What kind of barcodes will you be reading? 1D barcodes? 2D barcodes?

Do you need it to be wireless or connected to a cable at all times?

Knowing these answers will help you decide on the type of barcode scanner you need.

Types of Barcode Scanners

Scan Engine

One thing to consider when picking out a barcode scanner is the type of scan engine it uses to determine what you really need. The three scan engines are laser, linear imager, and 2D area imager.

Laser

Reads barcodes with a red laser.

Most common type of scan engine.

Can only read 1D barcodes.

Most cost effective scan engine.

Can read barcodes from 1" to 16" depending on laser engine. (Some scanners have extended range readers that can read barcodes up to 30 feet away.)

Linear Imager

Takes a picture and decodes 1D barcodes.

Can only read 1D barcodes.

Can read barcodes from 1" to 12" depending on linear imager engine.

Can read damaged or poorly printed barcodes easier than laser.

Good for applications that requires aggressive scanning.

2D Area Imager

Takes a picture and decodes 1D & 2D barcodes.

Can read 1D and 2D barcodes.

Can read barcodes in multiple directions. The barcode can be upside down or sideways and it will still read. (Also known as omni directional)

Reading results is almost instant compared to laser and linear.

Can easily read barcodes on phone / tablet / monitor screens.

Form Factor

Form factor is the physical construction of a barcode scanner. Do you need something to hold? Something to sit on a counter? Something to go inside a counter? Form factor options include handheld, presentation, mobile computers, in-counter, and fixed.

Handheld

Most common form factor.

Easy to use — point and press trigger.

Most models offer hand-free scanning with an additional stand.

Handhelds are available wired and wireless.

Presentation

Sits on a counter/table-top.

Made for hands free scanning.

Has wide scanning area for faster scanning.

Popular in retail environments.

Mobile Computers

Essentially a small computer with a barcode scanner attached.

Nearly all mobile computers are wireless.

Many different features for inventory management, asset tracking, shipping, and much more.

In-Counter

Similar to a presentation barcode scanner but goes inside a counter.

Some models have built-in scales.

Popular in grocery stores.

Fixed Mount

Specialized barcode scanners for specialized purposes.

One purpose is to be used as a kiosk for price checking.

Another purpose is as a fixed scanner found on a conveyor line.

Communication

Barcode scanners need to communicate with a computer to transmit data which can have a huge impact on work flow.

USB - Wired and the most common quick set-up option. Most work instantly as soon as you plug it in. Cord length ranges from 4 feet to 8 feet.

Serial (RS232) - Wired and plugs into a serial port (if one is available). Bit more complex to set-up. Cord length ranges from 4 feet to 8 feet.

Keyboard Wedge (PS/2) - Wired and plugs into a keyboard port (if one is available). Data can not be modified prior to displaying on the computer. Cord length ranges from 4 feet to 8 feet.

Base Station/Cradle (Cordless) - A base/cradle is plugged into your computer and the barcode scanner is paired with the base/cradle to communicate with each other. Functions the same way as a wired barcode scanner. Very easy to replace a wired barcode scanner with this option. The barcode scanner and base/cradle has a range of 15 - 30 feet.

Some barcode scanners also have additional features like batch memory. Batch scans barcodes and stores the data on the device until it communicates with a station/cradle/computer.

Durability

Barcode scanners are designed to be used daily in working environments so the type of durability is extremely important to ensure that the scanner lasts a long time. Ruggedized barcode scanners have been constructed to be resilient against dust, water, and drops on concrete. Here are some things to consider when it comes to durability:

IP Ratings - Ingress Protection (IP) ratings is the standard rating for sealing electrical devices against dust and moisture. You will see most IP ratings as IP65, IP54, etc. Each number has a specific meaning. The first number indicates the degree of protection from moving parts (fingers, tools, wires, etc.) and dust — ranges from 0 to 6. The second number indicates the protection level against moisture — ranges from 0 to 8. To learn more about IP rating and what the numbers mean, click here.

Drop Ratings - Devices that have been tested for drop damage have been tested on concrete floors. A drop rating of 4 feet means it will be more resistant to damage if dropped at 4 feet but if it was dropped at 6 feet, it has a higher risk of damage. Some barcode scanners / mobile computers also have separate sleeves/cases to improve its drop ratings.

If a barcode scanner does not have a IP rating or drop rating, it most likely means it was never tested by the manufacturer or it was never intended to be used in a harsh environment.

What exactly is 'Scan Distance'?

Scan distance is the distance from a barcode scanner to the barcode itself.

Stanadrd scanner ranges from 1" to 12" depending on the environment.

Some scanners can scan when the barcode scanner is touching the label, known as 'contact' distance.

Longer scanning distance (6" to 14") is best for industrial environments.

Some devices have ultra long distance scan engines that can scan from 20+ feet away.

What exactly is a 'Scan Engine'?

Scan Engine

One thing to consider when picking out a barcode scanner is the type of scan engine it uses to determine what you really need. The three scan engines are laser, linear imager, and 2D area imager.

Laser

Reads barcodes with a red laser.

Most common type of scan engine.

Can only read 1D barcodes.

Most cost effective scan engine.

Can read barcodes from 1" to 16" depending on laser engine. (Some scanners have extended range readers that can read barcodes up to 30 feet away.)

Linear Imager

Takes a picture and decodes 1D barcodes.

Can only read 1D barcodes.

Can read barcodes from 1" to 12" depending on linear imager engine.

Can read damaged or poorly printed barcodes easier than laser.

Good for applications that requires aggressive scanning.

2D Area Imager

Takes a picture and decodes 1D & 2D barcodes.

Can read 1D and 2D barcodes.

Can read barcodes in multiple directions. The barcode can be upside down or sideways and it will still read. (Also known as omni directional)

Reading results is almost instant compared to laser and linear.

Can easily read barcodes on phone / tablet / monitor screens.

What is 'Contact Range' scan distance?

Contact Range means the scanner can be placed onto the label to read a barcode. Barcode scanners with Contact Range can sometimes read barcodes 2" to 4" away along with being at contact range. Some barcode scanners can not read a barcode at contact distance due to the scan engine.

2D is a category of barcodes. Usually square or rectangle shaped with black pixels inside.

Can store up to 2,000 characters. (200% increase over 1D barcodes)

There are several fonts / languages of 2D barcodes.

Can only be read with 2d imaging scanners.

Some popular 2D barcodes are: QR code, PDF417, & Datamatrix.

What is a high density scanner/imager?

Some devices can be equipped with a high density scanner or imager which will allow superior barcode scanning performance on very small linear barcodes (3 mil or 0.003"), plus the versatility to read other common linear symbologies

What is drop rating?

Drop rating is a rating that manufactures give to their device to indicate how rugged a device is against a drop on concrete/ hard surfaces. Tests are performed by dropping the device at a consistent height on concrete. The rating does not mean the device will be damage proof but does mean that the device will be highly resistant to catastrophic damage.

Example: A device that has a drop rating of 4 feet means it can be dropped on concrete up to 4 feet. A device dropped at 4 feet may receive scratches but will be highly resistant against a complete failure. A complete failure is still possible but unlikely if it was dropped at 4 feet. If the device is dropped at a height higher than 4 feet then the potential of catastrophic damage increases.

4-6 feet is the standard height for walking with a device since most drops happen at waist height. If a device has no or a low drop rating then the device is suited best for permanently staying on top of a large desk or counter.

What is IP ratings?

Ingress Protection (IP) ratings is the standard rating for sealing electrical devices against dust and moisture. You will see most IP ratings as IP65, IP54, etc. Each number has a specific meaning. The first number indicates the degree of protection from moving parts (fingers, tools, wires, etc.) and dust — ranges from 0 to 6. The second number indicates the protection level against moisture — ranges from 0 to 8.

IP Rated Enclosures

First Digit (intrusion protection)

0

No special protection

1

Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.

2

Protection against fingers or other object not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.

3

Protection from entry by tools, wires etc, with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.

Example: An IP65 rating means it is totally dust tight and is protected from low pressure water jets.

A device with no IP rating means it is not intended to work around heavy dust and moisture.

What is keyboard wedge (PS/2), Serial (RS232), and USB?

Keyboard Wedge (PS/2), Serial (RS232), and USB are different ports on a computer / printer / system. Some devices will give you the option of selecting how you want to communicate with your computer / printer / system by selecting the desired port.

Keyboard Wedge (PS/2)

A keyboard wedge, also known as PS/2, is the keyboard port on the back of a computer. Keyboard wedge data appears on a computer screen just as it would have been typed through a keyboard. The disadvantage of a keyboard wedge is that the data cannot be modified prior to displaying on a screen. PS/2 ports are very uncommon in newer computers/systems.

Serial (RS232)

Serial (RS232) connects to a computer's serial port and send its information to the screen or to any program. Serial is more complex than Keyboard Wedge but is much more versatile: data can be edited, re-ordered or changed before it is displayed, allowing customization of applications collecting and using data. Serial ports are very uncommon in newer computers/systems.

USB

USB is the most common option for connecting devices. USB has many advantages over serial and the keyboard wedge. With USB: data transfer is faster, multiple devices can connect to a system with USB, it can draw power from a computer (so an AC adapter is not needed), can be unplugged/plugged without any issues, and can work instantly when plugged into a computer.

What makes a device 'healthcare certified'?

Healthcare certified means the device has been covered in an antimicrobial plastic that can effectively prevent the build-up and spread of threatening bacteria and microbes. This includes the scan window, display surfaces, stylus, screws, wires, and plastic.

To be certified, each product is approved in a test lab to meet antimicrobial requirements. Antimicrobial surfaces provide effective protection but standard healthcare cleaning and disinfection procedures should still be followed. Healthcare certified devices are designed to withstand constant cleaning.

Do you guys carry more products?

Yes! We are always trying to add more products from other popular manufacturers like Zebra, Brother, Sato, Motorola, and much more. In the mean time, please contact us for any questions, information, or pricing on a product not listed on this website.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

I see a typo/error/mistake — what should I do?

Please tell us! We're human beings and sometimes mistakes are made. If you spot a typo, error on data specifications, or something that looks out of place then please contact us. We'll do our best to fix our mistakes as soon as possible.

Is it possible to try a product before we buy it?

Please contact us for products to test. Some products may require having a credit card on file before shipping out a demo unit.

Where is the price?

Unfortunately, we are unable to list actual pricing due to restrictions. Fortunately, because of our partnerships with manufactures, we are able to offer amazingly low prices on many products. To receive the best price, please contact us and we will do our best to beat our competitor’s price.

To be honest, we probably won’t be able to beat everybody’s price but we promise that you’ll be happy with the solutions and services we can provide.

Who is All Barcode Systems?

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Summary:

We have over 3 decades of expertise & knowledge.

We’re different from other companies — we’ll show you all your best options, how to use something, & be your first line of support.

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